Credit: AP

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman winds up on a pitch against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 1, 2012, in Houston.

When the Red Sox selected Texas high school shortstop Will Middlebrooks in the fifth round of the 2007 draft, he was signed, sealed and delivered to play quarterback at Texas A&M. Fitting him for a Red Sox uniform was going to require some serious cash.

Major League Baseball’s slot recommendation for the 174th overall pick that year was around $130,000. The Red Sox, recognizing Middlebrook’s potential, said, “thanks for the recommendation,” ignored it, and signed Middlebrooks for $925,000.

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